AT&T co-producing 3G e-book reader, more?
updated 09:30 am EDT, Mon July 6, 2009
ATT 3G E Book Reader Leak
AT&T is in the midst of co-developing a trio of non-phone devices that will take advantage of its 3G network, a leak indicates. The carrier's signature device would be an e-book reader with built-in 3G data access, likely following a similar strategy to the Kindle that lets users download books without needing Wi-Fi or a physical connection. It's not said by the BW source who the manufacturer may be or whether the device's 3G access would be built into the cost like with Amazon's device, but it will reportedly ship by the end of the year.
Also on tap is a GPS navigator that uses 3G to pull real-time traffic data and an anti-speedtrap device that can send warnings of trap locations to other drivers in the area. All of the devices will be sold through AT&T's stores and, when 3G fees apply, may split revenues between AT&T and the companies making the devices.
AT&T has publicly acknowledged an effort to build 3G into more devices but, outside of netbook plans, has never discussed specific devices. All of its recent expansion is an attempt to move away from dependence on voice as faster 3G variants, and eventually 4G, put a far greater emphasis on data and will eventually turn phone calls into simple VoIP traffic.
Hey AT&T
07/06, 10:47am reply
Hows about you get working on fixing your network for the devices that ALREADY EXIST before you start adding devices that will further dilute your network capability.
If you did this one thing, I think you'd essentially be able to sweep up Verizon. The biggest complaint about the iPhone by potential switchers is usually that it's hamstrung by AT&T's sucktastic network.
cmoney
Dedicated MacNNer
Joined: Sep 2000
Infrastructure should
07/06, 01:03pm reply
come before all else. Adding more bandwidth for existing devices is the most important. If people are unsatisfied with dropped connections and slow access, how is that going to bring in more customers to AT&T. Those e-Readers won't make much of a difference, but any added traffic is unnecessary. Apple will likely put pressure on AT&T to forget about any extra devices that are going to decrease iPhone bandwidth.
iphonerulez
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Nov 2008
Idiots!
07/06, 01:46pm reply
Yes, because even in a company as large as ATT, all employees should be focused on just one task at a time. There's no room for small groups to be working on R&D or with other companies for new products. That's just ridiculous.
Good thing Apple didn't listen to you people. They'd have to postpone all work on the iPhone so they could fix the issues with their computers and OS X.
testudo
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Aug 2001
Re: Idiots!
07/06, 02:42pm reply
RIGHT!!! Because that was the point of our comments. That they aren't competent enough to work on two separate projects at the same time. It had absolutely NOTHING to do with the fact that by introducing even more devices to their already strained network, they're making service worse for everyone so they can squeeze more money out of the customers.
cmoney
Dedicated MacNNer
Joined: Sep 2000